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In Luke Chapter 9 at verse 10, the disciples, who had been sent out on this mission with authority to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, return and report to Jesus, telling Him what had happened. Jesus saw that they needed to rest - time to be quiet - time to be alone - away from the needs and demands of people. Do you see the rhythms? They needed an opportunity to reflect upon their ministry and work out the implications.

Work and rest - work and worship are vital. We all need this.

Nevertheless the crowds came. Jesus welcomed them, and spoke to them, healing those who needed healing - wonderful. He feeds them with spiritual food too, and, when they are hungry, He feeds them from what is available - 5 loaves and 2 fish.

Jesus takes what it there - nothing special - but when in HIS HANDS - ah, that alters everything. He gives thanks, and feeds and satisfies the people. When Jesus ministers there is always enough to go round, and even some left over. Now, there is an important lesson.

It is very organized, and Jesus does not like waste, nor untidiness.

Would these disciples ever forget the sight of these twelve baskets?

Never forget what Jesus has shown you - said to you - done for you.

Verse 18. Jesus is alone with His disciples. He knew when it was right to withdraw from the sick and hungry and needy, and spend time in prayer. There are times for withdrawing - when we are NOT available - because we have something else to do - prayer - worship - rest - re-charging our batteries. If this is not done regularly - the ministry can become flat, powerless and ineffectual.

What a beautiful picture, as He rises from prayer and goes over to ask His men a question. "What are the people saying about me?" Did He not know? They reply giving the most favourable comments. It is as if they edit out the unfavourable things people were saying. John the Baptist - Elijah - one of the prophets - Jeremiah - most of the people out there consider you to be unique. These are amazing replies. Many thought Jesus was like Jeremiah, the ‘weeping prophet’.

This word has come into our vocabulary. “He is a right Jeremiah.” It is usually meant to mean, ‘he is a right doom and gloom person!’ But that is not its real meaning. If someone calls you a Jeremiah, take it as a great compliment. If it is true then it means that you are speaking the Word of God and prophesying as God the Father wants you to. They thought Jesus was Jeremiah. We need to remember that Jesus Christ was no jolly joking fellow – no comedian or entertainer – but all He did and everything he said pleased God the Father.

Then comes the big question. Now, never mind what they are saying, "Who do you say I am?" Jesus confronts us and challenges us. Peter answers, The Christ of God - the Messiah - the anointed of the Father.

Jesus commanded them NOT to let men know what they knew. Sometimes we are encouraged to share everything and at other times we are commanded to say nothing, or at least keep it within the fellowship, because people could not accept it. To say nothing at times can be a real test of character - as real as having to speak and testify. When Jesus tells you to speak - speak - and when He tells you to be quiet - do so.

Verse 22. Jesus goes on to speak about having to suffer - be rejected by the religious leaders - be killed - and raised. The world would not be able to accept all that, but these men could. A man needs spiritual eyes to be opened to see these things of which Jesus Christ is speaking. People in the world are basically blind. "I just cannot see that!"

It is interesting to note what Jesus said to the crowds, and compare it with what He would share with His chosen disciples. Jesus knew what lay in front of him - rejected - crucified - raised. It is at that point that he teaches his men that this is what will happen to you. He could have lost them at that moment.

Verse 23. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” We ALL do this - DAILY - no choices - no options - on certain matters - as Jesus lays down the conditions.

"Jesus is there not an easier way?" - and he has to shake His Head and say “NO”. What you try to save you lose, and what you are willing to lose you save.

Verse 26 - and don't be ashamed of HIM nor of His words. He is coming again - and those who reject Jesus now - or disown Jesus now - or are ashamed or embarrassed by the Name of Jesus now - will one day be marked out for what they are. Jesus knew the truth - spoke the truth - shared the truth - taught the truth - was the truth.

These are not the most popular lessons, but then again, as I read the Bible, I find there are very few lessons which are popular.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

The Fulfilling Marriage